The cool autumn weather ushers in one of my least favorite gardening tasks - preparing the garden beds for winter. The stems may still be adorned in green, but their vines are empty. The first freeze is just around the corner, waiting to steal what life is left under cover of the cold night. It … Continue reading A Season for Everything
Author: Melissa
Pastor | Ragamuffin | Family | Friends
For the glory of God and the good of the world.
Carrying Our Burdens Together
Recently, I helped my best friend and family move to their new home. Trip after trip, we loaded vehicles, then drove two blocks to unload their multiplying possessions into their new home. Two blocks. Innumerable trips. Countless stairs. Also innumerable were expressions of "Thank You" and "We owe you" nearly every time I passed by … Continue reading Carrying Our Burdens Together
Markers of Hope
I love to light a candle most evenings as I turn down the covers on the day. The dance of the flame and the scent of the candle are magical to me. Sometimes I voice a few words in the quiet of my home, welcoming the invitation to release the day and rest in the … Continue reading Markers of Hope
Small Things
There have been waves of really hard things recently for people dear to me. Grief and loss. Pain and betrayal. Poignant life transitions and bittersweet anniversaries. There have been waves of really hard things for global communities like Haiti and Afghanistan living with unimaginable suffering and uncertainty. I often feel incredibly small in comparison to … Continue reading Small Things
A Pastor’s Plea for Vaccination
"Our forecasting model shows we should expect to continue seeing increased admissions over the next six to eight weeks," Royston said. "We receive calls daily from other cities, (including the Springfield area) and other states looking to transfer patients due to capacity issues. We have been unable to accept any of these transfers due to … Continue reading A Pastor’s Plea for Vaccination
Road Runner: Thoughts on Bourdain
Last night, I saw the film, "Road Runner: A Film about Anthony Bourdain". I was a big fan of Bourdain's show, Parts Unknown, and enjoyed his best-selling book, "Kitchen Confidential." Anthony invited the world to the table, believing you learn a lot about each other when you share a meal. I savored the conversation, community, … Continue reading Road Runner: Thoughts on Bourdain
What Strong People Do
How telling the satisfaction we derive from carrying all the bags in one load from car to kitchen. Crooks of arms branded by momentary blood loss. Screaming muscles hushed by the pride of a few extra steps and minutes saved. Saved from what? Who knows. That isn't the point, dear friend. The point is strong … Continue reading What Strong People Do
In the Artisan’s Hands
If you are from Missouri, you are familiar with Silver Dollar City, an amusement park in the city of Branson. It was a regular summer destination for my family. Shows, rides, taffy, funnel cake, ginormous cinnamon rolls. Clearly the food is a favorite. I especially love the demonstrating craftsmen, mesmerizing onlookers as they carve wood, … Continue reading In the Artisan’s Hands
Grief and Gratitude
For the past 23 years of my life, Rev. Dr. Doyle Sager has been a constant -the last 21 as pastor, coworker, mentor, and friend. How easy it is to take for granted "the constants" in life. Health, time, people - all precious gifts often overlooked as everyday guarantees until absence reveals their true worth. … Continue reading Grief and Gratitude
Losing Focus
Let me begin this post with a confession: Last week I could not remember my 2020 word for the year. No clue. On December 24, 2020, twelve months betrothed to this word, and for all the chocolate in the kingdom, I could not have told you my carefully-chosen, prayerfully-procured word for the year. I've been … Continue reading Losing Focus
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